Quicks Group has closed its QBS bodyshop division, transferring control of its five bodyshops back to the dealer network. For the past four years the network had operated within the commercial vehicle and parts division.

New chief executive John Day said the five bodyshops would be controlled by the Quicks' Ford dealerships in the North-west. They were recently restructured to create two central marketing areas.

“Quicks Group will in future develop bodyshops only where there is a clear synergy with existing dealers,” said Mr Day.

Former QBS general manager Mike Maddox has chosen to leave the company.

Quicks has also closed two Express Factors parts businesses due to the “changing structure of the parts aftermarket”.

The decision, which is expected to have little impact on group profits, will enable Quicks to concentrate on its core Ford parts distribution business.